Picking the right attorney is tough. Here's some questions to help you decide.
- How long have you been in practice? What percentage of your practice is family law? Are you a Certified Family Law Specialist?
- Do you prefer to negotiate and settle or fight it out in court? Would you consider using mediation?
- Will you be doing the work yourself? If not, who will?
- How much is the retainer? Is it refundable? How does it work?
- What are your hourly rates? What about court time? What other costs are included? What is your estimate of the approximate overall cost of this case?
- Will you send me itemized bills on a monthly basis including detail of time spent on the case?
- Is there a payment schedule? What is it?
- Do you carry malpractice insurance? How much?
- Will you agree to mediate/arbitrate any disputes about case management or fees as they may arise between us?
- What do you expect of me?